The KEF Ci5160REFm-THX sits at the very pinnacle of KEF's Ci custom installation range, representing the culmination of decades of acoustic research translated into a flagship in-wall loudspeaker. Part of the Ci-Reference Extreme Series and KEF's ‘The Reference’ architectural line, it is designed, engineered, and hand-built at KEF's facility in Maidstone, UK — bringing the same exacting standards found in KEF's finest free-standing Reference loudspeakers to an architecturally discreet in-wall format.
THX Dominus Certification
The Ci5160REFm-THX carries THX Dominus certification, the highest and most demanding performance class in the THX programme. THX Dominus represents the closest approximation to a professional cinema screening room that can be achieved in a private residence, making this speaker one of a very select group of products worldwide to meet that standard. It replaces the previous Ci5160REF-THX and introduces KEF's 12th generation driver technology throughout.
12th Generation Uni-Q Driver Array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology
At the heart of the Ci5160REFm-THX is KEF's 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, a coaxial configuration in which a 25mm vented aluminium dome tweeter fires through the centre of a 125mm midrange cone. This arrangement produces a near-perfect point source, widening the listening sweet spot and ensuring exceptional dispersion across a 150-degree nominal coverage angle. The tweeter incorporates Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), a complex maze-like structure developed in partnership with the Acoustic Metamaterials Group that absorbs 99% of the unwanted sound generated behind the driver, eliminating the colouration that would otherwise be reflected back through the cone.
Four 160mm Bass Drivers
Four 160mm (6.5-inch) bass drivers are arranged vertically on the precision-machined aluminium baffle, delivering a clean, articulate bass response extending down to 32Hz (-10 dB). Each driver features a massive vented motor system designed specifically for the constrained acoustic environment of an in-wall installation, ensuring controlled cone excursion and long-term reliability under sustained high-level use. The three-way crossover operates at 600Hz and 3,000Hz.
Precision-Machined Aluminium Baffle
The 11mm thick precision-machined aluminium baffle serves a dual purpose: it provides a rigid, inert mounting platform that eliminates the micro-vibrations that degrade driver performance, and it gives the speaker a premium appearance in its Aluminium Black/Grey finish. The hairline-finished black baffle contrasts with the grey Uni-Q driver surround to create a distinctive, purposeful aesthetic. A paintable magnetic metal grille is included as standard, while an optional black cloth grille (available separately) allows the speaker to blend invisibly into the wall surface.
LCR Versatility
The Ci5160REFm-THX is designed for use in the left, centre, or right channel positions of a demanding home cinema system. Its elongated rectangular form factor means it can be installed vertically for left and right channels, or rotated to a horizontal orientation for the centre channel, delivering consistent tonal character across all three front positions. An optional rough-in frame (RIF5160L) is available to simplify installation and ensure a precise fit.
Sold Individually
The Ci5160REFm-THX is priced and sold as a single speaker. A full LCR system typically requires three units, though configurations vary according to the installation.